The debate on the use of medical marijuana in the United States has long been ended. In fact, marijuana now can be purchased legally within 23 states of the US. It is also legal for marijuana to be used for recreational purpose in the states of Washington and Colorado. It goes to show that the medicinal value that is attached to the use of marijuana far outweighs any negative effects that comes along with its use. However, not everybody is convinced that medical marijuana is a good thing. There are now other countries such as Australia that are debating on the legalization of marijuana use. Here are some of their arguments.
Pros. As early as 2737 B.C., marijuana has been used for treating gout, malaria and rheumatism in China. The use of marijuana spread throughout Asia until it reaches India where it was used for pain and stress relief. The medical use of marijuana soon got the attention of US and European countries.
Marijuana for medical use can be taken in several forms such as smoking, vaporizing and ingestion. There are 60 active ingredients called cannabinoids found in marijuana that are associated to its medicinal capabilities. Our body naturally produces cannabinoids that are responsible for modulating the amount of pain that our body is feeling. The main cannabinoid found in marijuana is the THC which is short for tetrahydrocannabinol. This THC triggers the CB1 receptors found in the brain, the nervous system, and other primary organs of our body. When the CB1 receptors are activated, they release hormones that will quell stress and pain caused by damaged tissues or nerve cells. Studies have also revealed that medical marijuana reduces muscle spasms and other symptoms related to muscles becoming stiff.
Another medicinal use of marijuana is for stimulating the appetites of patients that suffer from suppressed appetites because of their medical conditions or treatment. Medical marijuana is prescribed to patients that are undergoing chemotherapy since this treatment will most often reduce a patient’s appetite.
Although marijuana has been proven to have a lot of medicinal benefits, it goes without saying that its use may lead to different side effects. The THC of marijuana may affect the thinking and reasoning skills of its users. A person who is being treated with medical marijuana may have altered attention and judgement capabilities.
In the US, marijuana as a medicinal treatment is only being ‘recommended’ by doctors since the US federal law still prohibits the ‘prescribing’ of marijuana. Nevertheless, a person who wishes to purchase medical marijuana needs to have a diagnosis from a physician who will recommend the use of medical marijuana as a treatment for whatever illness they have.
Marijuana for medical use has been proven to be effective. However, like any other product, the abusive use of the substance can be detrimental to a person’s health. The use of medical marijuana in other countries will rely on a country’s belief system. Nevertheless, the use of medical marijuana must be strongly regulated.
